THE BOOK OF TALIESYN

Again, large portion of the record was reserved for covers. This time, however, these attempts were less interesting and under- devised. While Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman" and THE BEATLES' "We Can Work It Out" are at least decently performed, Phil Spector's masterpiece done for Ike and Tina Turner - "River Deep, Mountain High" ends the album on a low note. Vocal parts are poorly sung so even the bombastic Hammond intro which resembles the "Zarathustra" theme from the concurrent successful movie "2001: Space Oddissey" cannot justify its inclusion.

On the other side, original PURPLE tracks are much better. The opener "Listen, Learn, Read On" is excellent song with reamarkable riffs and catchy chorus, only a bit too long. Instrumentals "Wring That Neck" and "Exposition" show the early prog-leanings of the group with Blackmore and Lord utilising solo adventures on their instruments. One can still hear that the bad were looking for their right direction, wondering between heavy blues-filled acid-rock of CREAM and classical and symphonic influences of THE NICE. "Anthem" is a nice, organ-led ballad under the obvious THE BEATLES influences, although a bit too soft for my taste. Finally, the best track of the album is unusual piano-driven arrangement "Shield", which is filled with psychedelic references ("I can smoke the pipe of sweet and better life and trust in the strength of the shield... trust in your love and Lucy of above..."). Very good performance, arrangement and singing, so one wonders why this title has been deeply buried in the past of the band, never gaining attention which deserves.

Overall, "The Book of Taliesyn" is not as good as the debut album, but it is still a convincing effort that mirrors the extremely adventourous and prolific rock scene at the end of the 1960s. This album is not essential, even below average at certain points, but for the prog rock scene it is useful to see the roots of the genre.

PERSONAL RATING: 3,5/5 P.A. RATING: 3/5

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